Date: 11:25 pm Tue Jun 11, 1996 Number : 54 of 75 From: Galen Starwalker Base : [PODS] Herbal Tips & Tricks To : All Refer #: None Subj: Herbs & Suppliments (2) Replies: None Stat: Sent Origin : 11 Jun 96 18:04:00 I think the easiest way to administer the basic supplements is to take one V75 with two Calcium Magnesium tablets in the morning or after work with a cup of milk. These are the only supplements necessary for long term, and it is even advised to change brands from these occassionally to prevent possible toxin buildup. Except for special purposes and programs, like those listed below, and those who need support for various maladies, it is very rarely necessary to get more vitamins than in a good multivitamin. Don't go broke using various and sundry supplements which may have little benefit. Separate vitamin supplements (like B complex) are not necessary if taking the multivitamin except in some cases, as in the addition of vitamin C when eating or cooking certain foods. Taking separate supplements as a matter of course is probably more detrimental to one's health than taking nothing at all since they contain so much filler and other potentially harmful ingredients. Clark finds that most herbs are okay, but many other supplements contain so many toxins that they can be hazardous to one's health and are certainly not worth supplementing them separately. STONES AND CRYSTALS A common problem is stone and crystal formation in the body. This can cause difficulties in a number of areas, contributing to conditions like arthritis, gout, chronic back pain, and slow urination. Most pain which is caused by crystals may actually come from the bacteria that make their home there (and the source of these bacteria is usually cavitations and other maladies of the teeth). But, reducing the number of crystals gives the bacteria fewer places to breed, and therefore, reduces pain. There are eight or more types of crystal or stone formations. The ingredient list to dissolve all of them is long. The prime causes include the following: excess consumption of iced tea, which causes oxalate crystals; too much meat, grains, and sodas which cause phosphate crystals; too much coffee, chocolate, and other purine foods which can cause uric acid crystals. These crystals can be dissolved. After three weeks of a regimen to decrease crystals, a difference should be noticed. The Clark recipe for kidney stone and crystal removal calls for making a large amount of tea out of many fresh herbs, and drinking it throughout the day for three weeks. This is the best method. I wanted something easier to administer, though, and came up with the following regimen, based on her recommendations. To perhaps alleviate conditions caused by some crystals and stones, add the following for three weeks (or until relief is gained) in addition to the above recommendations for calcium and magnesium supplementation. Start slowly on these herbs (say at 1/4 dosage) and build up if one has no experience with herbals, or if one has known stones or is elderly (in which case, see a doctor first anyway). This is the full regimen, and recommended for those who are likely to get stones or those with painful joint or bone disorders. For three weeks: 2 Planetary Formula's "Stone Free" three times per day or according to directions. 2 Hydrangea root capsules three times per day. These should smell fragrant when the container is opened, otherwise they are not fresh. If they are not, consider taking 3 or 4, or according to directions. 1 Slice of fresh ginger or one capsule or 1/4 tsp ground ginger three times per day, preferably with meals. 1 Uva ursi capsule in the morning, 2 at night. 1 tsp Black cherry concentrate (available at health food stores), 3 times per day. This tastes good and makes a tasty soda mixed with carbonated water and sweetener. Do not hesitate to use more. 3 vit B6 (100 mg) tablets, once per day, taken with the magnesium (or magnesium calcium). For Three Weeks and Thereafter: Drink plenty of water (see Water section below) daily. Limit iced or hot tea (except herbal ones), coffee, and chocolate. Limit soft drinks. Decrease amount of grains and meats consumed, if now eating too much. Eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, and legumes instead. Consume adequate calcium and magnesium. Stone Free has turmeric, which is good for the digestive system and decreases harmful bacteria in the GI tract. It is the cheapest source I have found for a combination of marshmallow, gravel, dandelion, and parsley roots, et al. As a bonus, it states that it helps decrease gallstones (which are also formed in the liver). If the Stone Free or turmeric makes the stomach or intestines roil, take fennel along with it (see next section), or decrease the dosage to one tablet. Magnesium oxide (found in the Now Ca/Mg) and vitamin B6 are the two components which help against oxalate crystals the most. Take them together. If taking the multivitamin at the same time, only two vit B6s are necessary. Do not take this large amount of B6 long term. An abbreviated regimen of the kidney cleanse will dissolve the most common forms of stones and is probably fine for those who are not succeptable to them, or those who are merely performing it to prepare for the liver cleanse. Use the calcium and magnesium supplements along with the Stone Free and extra B6 according to the instructions above. If someone were succeptable to kidney stones or had an ailment like arthritis, gout, joint and bone pain of "unknown" origin, or painful or slow urination, I would recommend the full regimen. DIGESTION AND ELIMINATION Clark's liver cleanse is probably an effective remedy for problems concerning these, as well as allergies and a host of other health problems, including obesity. According to her, it is the best thing that anyone can do to improve his or her general health, since a well-functioning liver is crucial to the health of most other systems in the body. It is a procedure for removing gallstones, which are also formed in the liver. She instructs to do the liver cleanse every three weeks until at least 2000 stones total are eliminated (yes, she says to estimate their count each time in the toilet). See any of her "Cure" books to view the procedure. If this is inconvenient, then taking Stone Free might help reduce gallstones. Some digestive problems are caused by an unfavorable balance of intestinal flora. The two best herbs to improve this condition (as well as to combat fever, IMO) are turmeric powder and fennel seeds (spice section at the grocery store). Take some of each once or twice per day until there are no problems, or three weeks. I like to chew on fennel seeds, but the turmeric is another matter. I use both of the herbs in cooking. I buy turmeric root, too, which looks like ginger, and is tasty raw. Otherwise, turmeric capsules for supplementation are available. Fennel capsules are available, too, if it is not desired to chew the seeds. --- DB 1.58/003790 * Origin: The Rain Forest * Denver,CO * (93:9083/4)